Cyclist who died after collision with lorry in central London named

A cyclist who died in a collision with a rubbish truck in central London has been named.

Cheistha Kochhar, 33, a student, died of serious injuries in Clerkenwell on March 19 while walking home from the London School of Economics (LSE).

She died at the scene at the junction of Clerkenwell Road and the A201 Farringdon Road.

Ms. Kochha is studying for a PhD in Behavioral Studies in London.

Her father, Dr SP Kochhar, director general of Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI), wrote online: “Efforts are on to collect the body of my daughter Cheistha Kochhar.

“On March 19, she was run over by a lorry as she was cycling back from studying for her PhD at the London School of Economics (LSE).”

He said her death “devastated us and her large group of friends”.

Amitabh Kant, the former chief executive of NITI Aayog, said Ms. Kochhar had worked with him at NITI Aayog, an Indian policy think tank.

He wrote on the X: “She was smart, talented, brave and always full of energy. Gone too soon. RIP.”

A tribute page created for Ms Kochhar received dozens of messages, with friends, admirers and colleagues offering condolences and farewells.

Hyun-Jung Lee, a professor at the London School of Economics, said Ms Kochhar took her organizational behavior course last year. “Cheistha’s curiosity and active participation in discussions helped the entire class reach the next level,” she wrote.

“Her signature smile and optimism brighten my day every time I see her.

“She was so far ahead of the game that she was already solidifying the structure of her thesis at such an early stage. We in the OB community have lost a promising young scholar. We will miss her greatly.”

Following the incident, the Metropolitan Police appealed for witnesses and any road users with dash cam footage to come forward.

London’s Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “At 20:18 on Tuesday, March 19, police received reports of an incident on Clerkenwell Road, near the junction with Farringdon Road. A collision involving a truck and a cyclist.

“Officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service attended.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or road users with footage of the incident, is asked to call 101 or 02082469820 @MetCC quoting CAD6903/19Mar.